Article Written by guest author Brad Krause at selfcaring.info/
Practicing self-care is a key to addressing mental well-being, which can also affect other areas of your life (for example, Psychreg explains dental health and depression are closely linked). Not only does proper self-care support you physiologically, but it also supports you psychologically and emotionally, as well. Try adding these healthy self-care habits to your routine as a way to support optimal mental health.
Eat Right
Eating healthy is crucial for your well-being inside and out. The body needs fresh, whole foods to nourish it and support its functions. Eating more nutrient-dense foods and less refined sugar can also promote clearer skin. The problem is, we live in a convenience-fueled society.
The amount of effort it takes to plan meals, grocery shop, and prepare food often feels like too much, so we end up calling in for delivery or heading to the drive-through window for quick meals that aren’t always the healthiest. Unfortunately, as PhillyVoice explains, this type of food can wreak havoc on our gut health, which causes a host of problems (bloating, gas, mood shifts, etc.) that none of us really want to face.
One way to ensure healthy eating is through a fresh food delivery service that makes meal planning and cooking convenient. Not only do you get to skip going to the grocery store, but these kits deliver quality ingredients. Furthermore, the meals are designed by experts to ensure new and interesting ingredients are palatable even for picky eaters just now getting used to nutrition. Having new meals show up on your doorstep week after week ensures you don’t get bored with healthy eating. And investing in meal kits, where every ingredient is pre-measured for the recipe, helps reduce food waste.
Get Enough Exercise
It’s certainly no secret that we all need exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. However, what many people don’t realize is that exercise and mental health go hand in hand. In fact, according to Harvard Health, getting in a good workout is an incredible supplement to combat depression. There are many ways to develop a solid routine, be it signing up for a gym membership or simply getting outside and taking a 30-minute stroll around the block.
Stick to Your Checkups
It’s true that most people aren’t eager to visit the doctor or the dentist, but annual checkups are the best way to keep tabs on your overall health. They can catch issues early on, and help you to address major concerns when it comes to your physical and mental health. If you need to establish care, make it a priority, and track down a nearby dentist and a doctor.
Sleep Tight
While some people may do well with as few as four to five hours of sleep a night, most people suffer greatly with such a short amount of snooze. Quartz explains adults need eight to nine hours of shuteye each night for proper brain and body function. In fact, sleep deprivation can lead to a host of symptoms, and its debilitating effect is akin to that of being intoxicated.
The best way to practice self-care for better sleep is by establishing a bedtime routine that puts you in a relaxed and peaceful mood. About an hour or so before your bedtime, turn off electronics and participate in an activity you find relaxing — meditation, reading, listening to music, etc.
You can also modify your bedroom to make it a haven for sleep. Invest in some blackout curtains and dimmable lighting. Pricier modifications include removing carpeting in favor of hardwood floors because carpet can trap dust and allergens.
You can also install a ceiling fan to cool your bedroom and keep air circulating. You may want to think about paying for more extensive changes through a home refinance. Talk to a lender to see if the cash infusion you can receive through a refinance is right for your current financial situation.
While everyone experiences mental health problems at some point, many of us do not reach out for help. It’s important to talk to a medical expert if you struggle with feelings such as anxiety or depression. In addition to your doctor’s treatment, healthy self-care habits and lifestyle changes can help you manage mental illness and live your best life.